FREN3521: Literature and Cognition

• French Language 2 (FREN2051) OR an equivalent qualification to the satisfaction of the Chair of the Board of Studies in MLAC or their representative.

• Modern Languages, Combined Honours and all Joint and 'with' programmes: French Language 4 (FREN3041). Other: see Chair of the Board of Studies in MLAC or their representative

• None

• To introduce students to a range of cognitive approaches to literature
• To develop students skills in analysing French literary texts through judicious use of cognitive approaches
• To extend students understanding of interdisciplinary study at the interface of literature, science, and history

• cognitive approaches to literature
• French literary texts (texts may be taken from any period of French literary history)
• cognition from an interdisciplinary perspective

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• By the end of this module, students will:
• understand in depth approaches in cognitive literary studies (for example, motor resonance and mindreading)
• understand in depth important French texts
• understand in depth the historical period of those texts

Subject-specific Skills:

• By the end of this module, students will be able to:
• analyse texts through judicious use of cognitive literary approaches
• assess critically cognitive literary approaches
• combine judiciously the insights into cognition of literature, science, and history

Key Skills:

• By the end of this module, students will be able to:
• analyse and critique written material
• structure arguments and write effective essays
• learn independently

• Lectures will communicate information about cognitive approaches and about particular literary texts and their historical contexts.
• Seminars will involve student-led discussion and presentations enabling students to practise the following: analysing texts; assessing cognitive approaches to texts; discussing (in relation to particular texts and contexts) interdisciplinary insights into cognition.
• Independent learning will include directed reading; preparing answers to questions for discussion in seminars; and preparing seminar presentations. These activities will enable students to extend their knowledge of cognitive approaches and of texts and contexts, and to practise the skills that will be further developed in the seminars themselves.
• Summative assessment will be through essays in which students analyse texts and critically assess cognitive approaches.

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